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I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating
atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It
is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing
an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three
elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting
as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting
respect for all things and all people.
When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the
primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find
answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to
discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to
hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the
lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of
knowledge to occur.
Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful
and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters
intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction
relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study.
Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer
activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the
curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.
Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their
environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline.
When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to
express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe children
have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe
and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the
importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they
learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.
For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my
hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for
learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals
who are excited about working with children. In our competitive society it is important for
students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and
sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best
educator that I can be.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride...
My classroom will be a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can blossom
and grow. I will allow children to become responsible members of our classroom community by
using strategies such as class meetings, positive discipline, and democratic principles. In
showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am
giving them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love
themselves.